Influence of Environmental Sanitation Campaigns On Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Residents of Southeast Nigeria (Published)
This study examined the influence of environmental sanitation campaigns on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of residents in Southeast Nigeria. Guided by the Health Belief Model and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the study adopted a survey research design. The population comprised adult residents across five states in the Southeast, from which a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select respondents. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data, complemented by secondary sources. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that environmental sanitation campaigns significantly increased residents’ awareness of sanitation issues, improved their attitudes towards waste management, and influenced positive behavioural changes in sanitation practices. However, gaps were observed in the sustainability of such practices due to infrastructural and policy limitations. The study concluded that environmental sanitation campaigns are potent tools for improving public health behaviours, but their impact is maximised when accompanied by consistent enforcement and adequate waste disposal infrastructure. Recommendations include intensifying multi-channel sanitation campaigns, integrating community leaders in advocacy, and providing adequate sanitation facilities.
Keywords: Attitudes, Knowledge, Practices, Southeast Nigeria, environmental sanitation campaigns, residents